Eamon Scanlon (Fianna Fail)

I agree with the previous speaker in regard to the single payment. The Minister gave a commitment that the cheques would go out on 1 December. Some 80% of farmers have received their cheques since that date and I understand a run of payments will be processed today. In Sligo, some 92% of farmers have received their cheques to date. I spent 35 minutes yesterday trying to get through to the Department in Portlaoise. When I eventually succeeded, I do not know what happened. Perhaps somebody lifted the telephone and then put it down again. People are frustrated at the difficulty in getting through and the fact that when they succeed, they cannot get to talk to anybody.

A helpline should be set up to deal with these queries. A failure to receive payment at this stage means there is a problem with one's application. Some of those problems are minor and can be sorted out with a telephone call. The departmental officials might consider a helpline to facilitate those with queries. This would help those 10% to 14% of farmers who have not yet been paid.